Oklahoma Wildcatters name J.B Mauney as head coach for PBR expansion team

Oklahoma Wildcatters name J.B Mauney as head coach for new PBR team

The Oklahoma Wildcatters, the newest Professional Bull Riders team, announced Tuesday that J.B. Mauney will serve as head coach and Brandon Bates as general manager.

The Wildcatters are owned by Midwest City native and LIV Golf champion Talor Gooch.

Mauney, whose career is highlighted by two PBR World Championships and a record-breaking number of rides, is stepping into the coaching role for the first time.

"I've faced some of the toughest bulls in the world and come out on top,” Mauney said in a release. “Coaching the Oklahoma Wildcatters is a new challenge, but I'm ready to bring my experience and passion for bull riding to this team and help shape the next generation of champions.”

Joining Mauney in leadership is Bates, the iconic voice of PBR for more than two decades.

"Having been a part of the PBR family for so many years, I've seen firsthand what it takes to succeed in this sport," Bates said. "I'm honored to join the Wildcatters and work alongside J.B. Together, we're committed to building a team that embodies the spirit of Oklahoma and the heart of bull riding."

Both Mauney and Bates will be instrumental in scouting and selecting the Wildcatters’ roster, which will begin to take shape when up to six riders will be selected in the 2024 Expansion Draft at a later date.

The PBR Camping World Team Series’ Wildcatter Days visits Paycom Center July 12-14. Tickets for the event go on sale at 10 a.m. Monday, March 4.

—Staff and wire reports

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma Wildcatters name J.B Mauney as head coach for new PBR team